How to rebuke evil spirits

He takes me by surprise – grabbing my shirt from behind and yanking me back. I set myself in a strong base position, stretch out my arm to control his elbow and secure an overhook, while turning my body to get enough momentum to jab him with my other elbow. I lock his leg, offset his balance and down he goes. Bam! I’ve just taken my assailant to the ground.Who, in this instance, just so happens to be a two-time Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) world champion teaching me basic self-defence moves, in case it actually happens in real-life.Evolve Mix Martial Arts instructor Teco Shinzato – a Singapore-based Brazilian – had been meticulously (and patiently) teaching this novice five-foot-nothing girl how to execute the BJJ move – and boy, did it feel empowering knowing how to defend myself.It's also the moment when I realised the reason why women are increasingly taking BJJ classes to learn self-defence. Based on the principles of leverage, weight … [Read more...] about Enjoy travelling alone, ladies? Here’s how to protect yourself

I live in classic, old Manila, in the Sta. Cruz area, home to medical supplies stores. It’s not exactly a neighborhood where pubs or bars and cafes would be open in case you want a drink, or a place to relax after work. I prefer it this way, and I hope our community will not succumb to the gentrification happening in many similar neighborhoods in the future. For someone like me who enjoys her early morning solitude over a fresh cup of coffee and a relaxing drink after work minus the crowd, my solution was to construct my own rooftop bar at home. More how-tos and DIYs: This Pinoy YouTuber dad has helped save marriages through his cooking videos Milk tea, taho, and other things we’re putting whisky into Everything you need to know about tequila From coffee aficionado to connoisseur or how to up your coffee game It’s not just the access to custom-made drinks that I’m after, but the total experience a rooftop deck provides. I sought to create my personal oasis: a … [Read more...] about Space idea: How to create your own rooftop bar and garden

Though portraiture is a western tradition that may go against the grain of Filipino modesty, it has been the traditional method of enshrining the visages of the rich and powerful ever since the Spaniards introduced portrait painting to the Philippines. The Philippines has its share of remarkable portrait artists spanning various eras, such as nineteenth-century masters Simon Flores, Justiniano Asuncion, Antonio Malantic, Lorenzo Guerrero, Juan Luna, and Felix Resurrección Hidalgo. Mid-twentieth century National Artists like Victorio Edades and Vicente Manansala were portrait painters, too. However, the most prolific Filipino portrait artist to date is National Artist Fernando Amorsolo. You may also like: How to protect artworks from fungal or insect attacks, and other tips for your art at home Inside the foremost art restoration facility in the country How to care for your paintings How two National Artists’ works have shaped our nation The Maestro, as Amorsolo was … [Read more...] about How to commission a portrait: a step-by-step guide

Stress overload & how to deal with it A healer friend texted me recently that, as she heard the news, another young girl took her own life in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. What this represents is the shocking rise of such incidents globally. Sadly, the people who die from suicide are getting younger. The World Health Organization reports that, “each year, approximately one million people die from suicide, which represents a global mortality rate of 16 people per 100,000 or one death every 40 seconds. It is predicted that by 2020, the rate of death will increase to one every 20 seconds.” Stress overload is one of the greatest killers of our times as it triggers illnesses in our physical and mental bodies. Mental illness and depression is on a dangerous rise in our urban centers and ways of addressing this are coming from all sectors. But the alarming rise, not only of suicide incidents but other seemingly “unrelated” issues … [Read more...] about Stress overload & how to deal with it

How to stop Satan from hindering STRENGTH FOR TODAY - Dr. Harold J. Sala (The Philippine Star) - June 9, 2019 - 12:00am Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground. Ephesians 6:13 When a ruthless killer known as “the silent stalker” was on the loose in our neighborhood, motion-detecting floodlights suddenly appeared. Bars were put on windows, and those who could afford them installed alarm systems. Satan, like a silent stalker, takes more than his fair share of victims. Should we live in fear of his attacks? No! Then how should we respond to his cunning ways? First, be informed. That’s where Scripture tells you far more than I have time to mention, giving you insights to his intent, his game plan and his operation. Be alert – that means you are heads up and observant. When you see issues that are clearly condemned by … [Read more...] about How to stop Satan from hindering